DIY 24" maxspect razor & T5 HO combo

[West1]

I have a 24" 180w r420r and I feel it lacks blues. With all the fuss regarding T5, I went on a Google run and found a member that did a hybrid maxspect combo.

Credit to @Tank2379 since I found his DIY through Google.

Hopefully the pictures explain everything in detail. I did however use a dremel so the legs of the T5's would fit in the radius of the razor. Tomorrow I'll start acclimating corals 45min after photo period for 30min. I'll gradually extend the T5 length in the coming weeks for a total of 5hrs (2hr overlap from photo period).

Next DIY is a better canopy. I made this real quick as the family was complaining about the blinding light. Now I need to make one that's more appealing to the eye.

Dont pay attention to the dirty glass or falling corals. I've been having Glue issues and was recommended the putty epoxy sandwich (which I am doing on a need be basis like now, hah).

Enjoy

 

[TheEngineer]

Nice work!

 

[bked180]

Looks great! Good idea painting the ends of the T-5 sockets to match your fixture. That extra touch really makes the difference.

 

[West1]

Looks great! Good idea painting the ends of the T-5 sockets to match your fixture. That extra touch really makes the difference.

Thanks. That was the one thing about the fixture I did not like and I do recall Krylon marked as reef safe. The picture shows the yellow wire visible but its really not. On the right side of the caps, there is a yellow wire that connects to each socket, I swapped the yellow for blue so it doesn't draw attention. Overall I'm very happy with the retro kit and I did the best I could hiding the wires.

Next stop, NoPox for GHA.

 

[VetReefer]

I have a 24" 180w r420r and I feel it lacks blues. With all the fuss regarding T5, I went on a Google run and found a member that did a hybrid maxspect combo.

Credit to @Tank2379 since I found his DIY through Google.

Hopefully the pictures explain everything in detail. I did however use a dremel so the legs of the T5's would fit in the radius of the razor. Tomorrow I'll start acclimating corals 45min after photo period for 30min. I'll gradually extend the T5 length in the coming weeks for a total of 5hrs (2hr overlap from photo period).

Next DIY is a better canopy. I made this real quick as the family was complaining about the blinding light. Now I need to make one that's more appealing to the eye.

Dont pay attention to the dirty glass or falling corals. I've been having Glue issues and was recommended the putty epoxy sandwich (which I am doing on a need be basis like now, hah).

Enjoy

Did you use a t5 retro fit kit?

 

[West1]

Did you use a t5 retro fit kit?

Yes. I called BRS and asked if they could price match 3 other competitors. I needed some brs soda ash so figure I'd ask.

I did use stainless steel M3 screws, anything thicker might not go through the maxspect. Due to the thickness, I just got away without using washers to hold the t5 caps in place.

Qty 4, M3 20mm stainless with nut
Qty 4, M3 25mm stainless with nut
The 20mm length fits near perfect when mounted, the 25mm were a little long, oh well. Heres a pic for reference.


https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/t5-ho-miro-4-retrofit-kit-let-lighting.html

 

[VetReefer]

Yes. I called BRS and asked if they could price match 3 other competitors. I needed some brs soda ash so figure I'd ask.

I did use stainless steel M3 screws, anything thicker might not go through the maxspect. Due to the thickness, I just got away without using washers to hold the t5 caps in place.

Qty 4, M3 20mm stainless with nut
Qty 4, M3 25mm stainless with nut
The 20mm length fits near perfect when mounted, the 25mm were a little long, oh well. Heres a pic for reference.


https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/t5-ho-miro-4-retrofit-kit-let-lighting.html

How much did it end up cost all today. I think I want to add two to mine. One on each side of my 3 radions

 

[West1]

How much did it end up cost all today. I think I want to add two to mine. One on each side of my 3 radions

T5 95.00
M3 screws on Amazon 9.00 (I can use the extra screws)
Krylon flat grey 5.00
25ft-1/2" braided sleeveing @Amazon 7.00

With taxes, grand total was about 125.00 (bulbs not included).

 

[VetReefer]

T5 95.00
M3 screws on Amazon 9.00 (I can use the extra screws)
Krylon flat grey 5.00
25ft-1/2" braided sleeveing @Amazon 7.00

With taxes, grand total was about 125.00 (bulbs not included).

So it's not worth getting the retrofit fit that have on there for $150? I need the 5ft one

 

[West1]

So it's not worth getting the retrofit fit that have on there for $150? I need the 5ft one

Personally, I always find what I'm interested in, then search the model number over the web and weigh out the cost.

I would call brs and ask if they could price match this light. Looks the same to me.

https://www.marinedepot.com/LET_Lig...it_Kits-LET_Lighting-6Q58760-FILTRTRF-vi.html

 

[VetReefer]

Personally, I always find what I'm interested in, then search the model number over the web and weigh out the cost.

I would call brs and ask if they could price match this light. Looks the same to me.

https://www.marinedepot.com/LET_Lig...it_Kits-LET_Lighting-6Q58760-FILTRTRF-vi.html

Oh okay well I definitely appreciate all the info

 

[VetReefer]

Personally, I always find what I'm interested in, then search the model number over the web and weigh out the cost.

I would call brs and ask if they could price match this light. Looks the same to me.

https://www.marinedepot.com/LET_Lig...it_Kits-LET_Lighting-6Q58760-FILTRTRF-vi.html

Thank you

 

[The_Harris_co]

How has this been working

 

[West1]

It worked great! No complaints.

Except its stores under my bed till I upgrade my nuvo20 (or sell it the light).

 

[The_Harris_co]

Nice. I have one over my nuvo 30l snd I’m debating adding at least one t5. I already have the bulbs and it’s for a frag tank. If the razor doesn’t sell before I have time to do the mods I’ll just keep it. Getting par testing Monday